Choosing The Right Company For Your Bathroom Renovation

Bathrooms are one of the most complicated rooms to renovate since they involve many trades and aspects of design and construction. The size and quality of your specific bathroom renovation will dictate the team you need. Some people don’t anticipate the design portion and start by looking for a contractor. Others may require a more creative look and begin their search with an interior designer. If the style of your bathroom is important to you, an interior designer is a smart place to begin. An good interior designer will not only be able to assist you with the design and material selection process, but will also be able to help put together the right contractors you will need to complete your project.

TIP: When choosing a designer, make sure you choose one that has specific experience with bathroom renovations. Since there are a lot of trades involved with this type of renovation (plumbing, carpentry etc.) there is a lot that needs to be professionally anticipated and pulled together by someone with experience renovating bathrooms.

It is also feasible to use a contracting company that offers design services as well, however, if design is important to you, make sure you speak with the person who will be advising you regarding the design and material selection process. A lot of general contractors say they can do this for you, but fall short when it comes to pleasing the client regarding the material selections. You want to make sure you have a company that will offer you a good selection of products from a variety of vendors.

Regardless of whether you hire an interior designer first or a contracting company first, some things you want to ask are:
1. Will they assist you in acquiring any necessary permits for construction? (This is especially important in a co-op or condo apartment building)
2. Can they anticipate what the fees for these permits will be and are they capable of filing the necessary paperwork?
3. Based on the estimated scope of work, what is the anticipated work schedule or time for completion?
4. How long will you not be able to use this bathroom once construction begins? If this is your only bathroom, you may have to consider an alternate living situation or make sure you discuss in detail with the designer or contractor running your project in advance.
5. What is their fee for their services and what is the payment schedule?
6. Make sure you have some inspirations of the styles of bathrooms you like to make sure you and this designer/contractor are a good fit.

TIP: If your designer or contractor is estimating a budget for materials for you, make sure you have an idea of what types of specific materials choices fit into that budget. A budget of $2.00 per square foot for tile would be limited in options versus a budget of $7 per square foot or higher. Specialty tiles such as mosaics for example tend to start at a much higher price as well, usually around $18 per square foot and up depending on the material and pattern.

As with any renovation project, remember that clear communication between you and your professional designer and contractor is key. Make sure you feel comfortable asking the questions you need in order to get the bathroom you envisioned.

TRENDING: Industrial Modern Design

I recently visited the gift show at the Javits Center in New York City. For those of you who don’t know, the gift show is where buyers for stores as well as designers go to shop for everything from jewelry and kids toys through to furniture and home accessories. Most vendors show the latest trends in the market such as sustainable furniture, modern styles and more.

One  trend I see becoming more and more popular across the country and not just urban areas, is this mix of  industrial modern and salvaged materials. A lot of reclaimed woods mixed with metals and machine parts for example. Here are two company’s that I saw at the show displaying this type of style.

Four Hands Furniture

Sputnik Stools - Environment Furniture

This style is not only coming through in home furnishings, but jewelry and personal accessories as well.

Ku Jewelry - Handmade in Brooklyn, NY

I can’t help but think there is some influence to this style from the Arts and Crafts period of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The Arts and Crafts movement was a reaction to overly decorated, and often, poorly manufactured products and design. This movement became a way to celebrate the craftsman ship and quality of furniture, interiors and more, by not hiding it, but displaying it proudly  in the details.

The Gable House - Greene and Greene Architects

In our case, I think this modern yet rough and industrial style it is a reaction to our slick, very tech world (think ipad) that we live in now. Our world is becoming more and more virtual, computerized and even sanitized. This use of rough metals, unfinished woods and old fashioned or vintage parts is a way to celebrate something that feels tangible, authentic and good old-fashioned hands on. Most of them are handmade in the USA and the detail of the craftsmanship of these items is celebrated throughout the pieces. There is nothing slick or ‘virtual’ in feeling reflected in this style yet at the same time, it has a modern feel that is of the times.

Trending: Work From Home

More and more people are working from home. Whether you are an entrepreneur in your own business, or a consultant for a large company, more people are using their living space as their work space as well. This can be very convenient since there is no commute and less expense, however, especially in urban apartments, your work time can infringe on you and your families personal space as well. It is important to keep you work area well organized and have the right furniture that makes it easy for your to do so.

When you work from home or in a small space, you need your furniture to multi-task just as you do. The first step is to evaluate how you will use your space.

• How many people will use this space on a regular basis? Is it just you or do you have any partners or employees that will also use this space with you?
• Will you entertain clients or vendors here?
• Do you have a lot of equipment such as printers and desk top computers that will need a permanent home and access to electrical?
• How much of your work space to you want to see when you are finished for the day?

To some extent you may always see your workspace in your home; however items with less open shelves and more doors will help hide clutter. For people who don’t need much storage and less space to spread out, all in one office armoires close up neatly at the end of the day so you don’t see anything left behind.  Check out these armoires and secretaries:

For people who need more space, something a bit more customized may work for you. Take this Design Challenge I had with a client for example:

DESIGN CHALLENGE: I had a client who worked from her 1 bedroom apartment full time, while her husband also worked from home part of the week. They needed to create a space they could both access when they were home. In addition, they liked to eat meals at a table instead of in front of their TV, so part of the office area needed to become dining space for them as well.

BEFORE PHOTOS:

DESIGN SOLUTION: There was a convenient area in front of the kitchen island that would normally be the dining area, that we decided was best to convert into the office. Using affordable custom furniture (materials such as laminates and Formica) we shaped the space so that the desk area and a credenza for printers and general storage would go, sat neatly against the kitchen island and wall next to it. This was a great solution since the client often had papers to layout and collate etc. and needed space to do so.

AFTER PHOTOS:

For her husband, we created a separate area nearby which contained bookshelves above for more storage and a flip down table top which he could use with his laptop during his times at home. In addition, this flip down table became their dining area when they wanted to eat a meal together which was conveniently located next to the kitchen and island for easy access and additional surface space.

This particular solution involved custom furniture, however similar looks and functions can be achieved with ready-made furniture as well. Some good sources for affordable home office furniture are:

www.cb2.com

www.ikea.com (check out their wall mounted drop-leaf table called Norberg and Norbo for a real extra space saver. Great in a small niche and you can add shelves on top for additional storage.)

www.ballarddesigns.com

www.roomandboard.com

www.hookerfurniture.com

http://www.bdiusa.com

How have you set up your home office space? Would you make any improvements to it? Let me know.

What Should I Look For When Sofa Shopping?

Most of us are pretty familiar with sofas. We sit on them, we lounge on them, we even eat in front of the TV on them. So you would think purchasing a sofa would be pretty easy, right? Well, it certainly isn’t rocket science, but it is important to know what your sofa is made up of and if it’s worth it to spend a few extra dollars on some rather than save a few dollars on others.

There are a lot of various combinations of frame construction, suspension systems, and cushion inserts that will affect the quality and comfort of each sofa. Just saying ‘Spring Suspension System’ for example brings up a variety of different spring coils, coatings and more. Every company has their own preferences and you don’t need to learn every in and out of each type, however it is important to know a  few of the key features of construction in order to know what to expect out of the life and comfort of your sofa.

Sofa Frame Construction: What should I care about and why?

The frame of the sofa is what should outlast anything else. A good quality sofa frame should last you 10 years and more. Depending on your budget needs and use of the sofa, you can determine what quality and price point will work best for you.

1. Quality Material: Durable, kiln dried hardwood frame vs. Cheap Material: softer woods like pine.
2. Quality Joints: Doweled joints and blocked corners vs. Cheap Joints: Only glue and staples.
   • Example of Cheaper Frame Construction – IKEA Ektorp Sofa made of Fiberboard, Particleboard, Plywood and Pine – Starts at $399. Good option for tight budgets not looking for long term or regular to heavy use.

   

   • Example of Better Frame Construction – The Crate and Barrel Axis Sofa made of certified sustainable kiln-dried hardwood frame. Will last longer than the IKEA furniture. Overall, much better investment than the IKEA option if your budget allows for it. Starts at $1,899.00

   

   • Top Quality Frame Construction such as Pearson Furniture Company or Carlyle Sofa (which is also known for good quality sleeper sofas) are made from quality kiln-dried hardwoods and also go into more substantial details such as double doweled joints and corners are blocked and bolted for extra wear and tear. Sofas are custom so prices vary due to size and style but can start from around $2,000.00 and upwards of $3,500 or more depending on the brand and custom selections.

Suspension Systems: What should I care about and why?

The suspension system is important for not only the life of the sofa, but the comfort of your seating as well. Lesser expensive sofas don’t have much of a suspension system, and in a very short time, you will feel the difference in comfort.

1. Cheaper sofas such as IKEA’s Ektorp mentioned above, don’t have much if anything in terms of suspension. There is no webbing or spring system so over time the frame underneath will start to wear which will affect your seat. Again, a good  option for tight budgets, as long as you are not thinking too long term – about 4-5 years.
2. Better Support Systems such as Crate and Barrel offer a few different options from Synthetic Webbing through to an Eight-Way Hand Tied Spring System. These options a range of more support for your cushions and seat which will result in a more comfortable sit and longer lasting sofa.
3. Certain sofa companies such as American Leather, take a lot of pride in their suspensions systems using the best quality eight-way hand tied suspension systems where the coils are hand-tied to each other and the frame to achieve superior elasticity in the seat.

Seat Cushion Fillings: What should I care about and why?

What fills your seat cushion is perhaps the trait you will notice first in a sofa when you first sit on it. There are of course degrees of quality, however it is also a very personal choice since everyone finds a varied degree of comfort.

1. Foam is one of the most popular options for ready-made and retail company sofas and chairs. The Ektorp by IKEA has a blend of foam and polypropylene that fills its seats. Generally a medium-firm seat, these cushions last fairly well for a budget choice, but may not be for everyone and will have to be replaced as the foam looses its shape and firmness.
2. A cushion with a blend of down and foam like of some sort has a softer feel due to the down or synthetic down layer around the foam. Generally a softer seat that will lose may need “fluffing” more often due to the down, however it is also a softer more ‘cushy’ seat for those who prefer this feel.
3. The longest lasting cushion filling is a Spring Down filling which generally has a mix of spring coils wrapped in muslin or similar and encased in a type of foam with an additional layer of down. This seat offers the comfort and softness of down with the firmness and lasting quality due to the spring and foam. These cushions don’t need much ‘fluffing’ depending on the amount of down included and will generally hold their shape and last a long time.

Fabrics and Leathers: What should I care about and why?

Ultimately, the choice of your fabric or leather will depend mostly on your taste, style and the availability what the company offers. If you are very particular about your look, you may need to go with a company that allows you to find a fabric you love from any company and upholster your sofa in it. This is a C.O.M or C.O.L. option, (customers own material or customers own leather) and are generally only offered through higher end, custom companies. They will offer a C.O.M. or C.O.L. base price for the sofa and then it is up to you to pay for and coordinate the fabric delivery to them for an additional cost as per the fabric company.

One of the most common and durable fabric options in general is a micro or ultra suede. This is a faux suede fabric and most popular retailers offer this type of fabric in a large variety of colors. It is a fabric that is easy to maintain and clean.

Leather is another good and durable option and is offered in a variety of qualities, colors and styles from highly distressed to very smooth and consistent. The type of leather you choose will be affected by your style preference and budget.

Whichever material you choose, there will actually be a different feel to your sofa depending on what you pick. The largest difference being between leather and fabric. If you find a sofa you love in a store and they have it available on the floor in fabric but you want to order it in leather, be aware that the comfort level will vary due to the different material. One is not better or worse, just a bit different.

FINAL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS:

• Make sure you measure your elevator, hallways and doorways so that you ensure a smooth delivery of your sofa. If you do come across an issue where your sofa does not fit into your home, check your area for services such as Dr. Sofa, which can actually disassemble and reassemble your sofa in order to get it in or out of your home.
• If possible, try out the sofa in the store or showroom first. It is important that you and whoever else will be using the sofa regularly gets a feel for it in person since it is such a personal preference.

Best Budget Option – IKEA Ektorp Sofa: A nice firm seat with a life expectancy of 3-4 years or more. Convenient slip cover and removable cushion covers for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Best Mid-Range Retail Option – Crate and Barrel Axis Sofa. Hardwood kiln-dried frame with polyfoam wrapped in fiber-down blend cushion. Flexolator Spring Suspension system with spiral coil springs placed into the frame and attached with vinyl coated clips to prevent squeaks.

Best Luxury or Custom Option – Carlyle Sofa with hard wood, kiln dried, double doweled, glued, corner blocked and bolted frames. 8 way hand tied spring suspension system. They offer over 40 combinations of cushion variations to tailor to your comfort level, the Spring and Dacron mix being the most expensive.

TRENDING: American made furniture

From small independent workshops across the country, to major retailers such as Room and Board, more and more vendors are offering American made furniture. If you are considering purchasing new furniture and case goods for your home or work place, would you go out of your way to find American made products?

So why buy American? Or not buy American? Is there an advantage for you? Of course buying anything “Made in America” helps keeps jobs available here and that is a big plus for our economy. Economy and politics aside for a moment, what does it mean for the quality and styles of the products themselves that will be going into your home?

Recently I worked on a client’s home outside of San Diego, CA. I visited a nearby town called Pescadero where I found a local artists shop called Made in Pescadero, selling handcrafted furniture and art made locally.

Made In Pescadero with Artisan Robert Meier

The particular style of these furnishings was a combination of Arts and Crafts, Shaker and Mission style furniture which is common in American made furniture. Visiting the shop was such an experience and I loved touching all the carved woods and hand-crafted quilts. The quality of these particular artisans was so detailed and luxurious. If you like to have a story or some history to the pieces that you put into your home, you can do it without going on vacation by finding some local artisan shops in your area that will give you the opportunity to connect with the items you buy along with the craftsman who create them.

Not all local craftsman work in the styles mentioned above. You can get a variety of looks from more modern styles at stores such as WONK or Brooklyn Modern, both in Brooklyn-NY, to more traditional pieces offered through manufacturers such as Hickory Chair based out of North Carolina. (FYI – lots of American Made furniture based out of North Carolina!)

Wonk NYC - Credenza

Hickory Chair Furniture

Another option is to go to a larger retailer or manufacturer such as Room and Board, where you can purchase American made furniture that may be a bit less expensive due to the higher production availability. Quality will vary from the independent artisans mentioned above due to the more mass production and cost effective prices, but it can still be a great alternative for purchasing American Made furniture.

Here are some resources for American Made furniture. Contact them to see where they sell their products near your area. Happy Shopping!
http://www.hickorychair.com/

http://www.bowenfurniture.com/americanmade.html

http://bergfurniture.com/index.php

http://www.bradington-young.com/product_line.asp

http://www.hardenfurniture.com/

http://vermontwoodsstudios.com

http://madeinpescadero.com/

http://roomandboard.com

http://www.desiron.com/

http://www.wonknyc.com/

What You Won’t Learn From Watching HGTV: How to Hire the Right Interior Designer.

Let’s face it. You may love watching home design shows and perusing through interior design magazines, but when it comes to your space, you’re not much of the do-it-yourselfer. Although it’s amazing when someone comes out and turns an old record album into a four drawer dresser, this may not be your forte. And seriously, who has time and energy for that? (If you do, you may want to skip this post!)

A good interior designer can be your link to getting the space you need and want.  Am I biased? Sure! I’m a designer after all. But as a designer, I also know that there are many different types of design professionals and services that can fit your particular budget and lifestyle if you are willing to do some looking and interviewing.

The most important thing during this process of finding a designer is to be honest about your project goals. A few things to know about yourself and your project as you interview designers:

     1.) Get Your Priorities Straight: What do you want from your space? Is a lack of storage bothering you? Do you get annoyed walking around from the kitchen to the living room and wish you could open up a wall to connect the spaces? Maybe you need all new furniture throughout? Whatever it is that you are looking to do, make a wish list and prioritize the top items when meeting with the designers.

     2.) Does Your Budget Include an Interior Design Fee?: Hiring a designer isn’t free of course, and a lot of clients think about their budget for furniture, labor and moving, but not for the fee the interior designer will cost. The fee of the designer you choose will vary greatly from state to state and depending on the type of designer you will hire. Here are a few ways designer will work:

• Hourly Rate: Hourly rates go from anywhere from $75 – $250 per hour on average. If a project is fairly large and open ended such as new home construction, a lot of designers cannot estimate their fees up front so they bill per hour as the work is done.
• Percentage: Some designers will charge a percentage of the project total or cost of the furniture or labor being done. This can be a bit tricky to properly track and it also may make some people fee skeptical if their designer is getting them the best price since the fee is based on percentages.
• Flat Fee: Some designers are able to charge a flat fee when the scope of work is very defined and specific. This is great since you will know the design fee up front. Just be aware that the designer may exclude certain items like coordination which would be billed separately if needed. Make sure you review what is included in your flat fee so there are no surprises later.
• A Combination of the Above: A lot of times depending on the project, a combination of flat fees, hourly rates and/or percentages will be used. I find this works very well, especially when the exact scope of work is not known up front. Your designer can give you a flat fee for the design concept phase and then move into separate billings once the scope of work is understood and approved.
  

     3.) Gather Inspirations: A picture is worth a thousand words! I can’t tell you how often a client tells me they are “modern” or “traditional” and their interpretation is not necessarily the same as mine. Having a few pictures from magazines that you like and identifying what you like about them will help your designer understand the direction that you want to head in aesthetically.

Your relationship with your interior designer is a personal one. You should not only hire them because of their talent and expertise, but because you genuinely like them and they fit your lifestyle and personality. Projects always work out better when the team gets along well and although interior design is a very detailed process, it can and should run smoothly with the right designer guiding you.